Chicago Medical School (CMS) at Rosalind Franklin University (RFU) is a community-based institution with a century-long legacy of educating diverse and compassionate physician leaders. The school emphasizes a patient-centered model of care, equipping students with strong communication, reasoning, and technical skills through early clinical exposure and robust simulation training. Students rotate in a wide variety of environments – from inner-city hospitals serving underserved communities, to suburban clinics, to one of the nation’s largest VA hospitals – ensuring a broad and inclusive medical education. CMS also offers rich research opportunities – including the MD with Distinction in Research and the combined MD/PhD program – preparing students to become leaders in both clinical practice and biomedical discovery. Its three-phase curriculum integrates clinical and basic sciences, promotes interprofessional collaboration, and adapts to evolving healthcare demands while fostering professional growth and student well-being.

CMS seeks applicants who are academically strong, compassionate, and deeply committed to patient-centered care. Ideal candidates demonstrate clear communication skills, empathy, and cultural competence, along with resilience and the ability to thrive in diverse clinical settings. The school values individuals with a record of service to underserved populations and those eager to learn in an interprofessional, team-based environment. Applicants with curiosity for research, dedication to leadership development, and a drive to advance equitable health outcomes are especially well aligned with CMS’s mission. Ultimately, CMS looks for students who will excel not only as skilled physicians but also as collaborative leaders, scientists, and advocates dedicated to improving the health and wellness of their communities.

CMS Secondary Essay Tips

Essay #1

What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine, and how have your personal experiences or background shaped your desire to become a physician? (150 words)

Reflect on experiences that have solidified your desire to become a physician. Although you may have addressed “Why medicine?” in your personal statement, use this as an opportunity to expand on your commitment to the profession. Concentrate on specific examples that will help you show rather than tell. Are there particular experiences – such as shadowing, patient care, or volunteering – that progressed your interest in medicine to certainty? Have aspects of your upbringing or identity motivated you to care for a specific patient population? Have you or someone close to you had an experience with the healthcare system that changed your world view? Discuss why these experiences impacted you and how they have influenced your goals as a future physician. Be sure to distinguish between wanting to be a physician and other health-related professions. 

Essay #2

Tell us about a time when you faced a significant challenge or setback. How did you navigate it, and what did you learn from the experience that will help you succeed in medical school? (150 words)

In your response, choose a meaningful experience that tested your resilience, values, or emotional strength. Describe the challenge. How did you feel in the face of adversity? Focus the majority of your answer on how you responded to the hardship. What did you learn about yourself? Did you develop qualities such as patience, discipline, empathy, or perseverance? Discuss any support systems you turned to and how they helped you cope or grow. Be sure to connect the insights you gained to your readiness for medical school and a career in medicine. Which of these skills or qualities will help you when facing adversity as a medical student or physician? 

Essay #3

Describe an experience where you helped someone who was going through a difficult time. How did you approach the situation, and what did you learn about the importance of empathy in providing care? (150 words)

Reflect on situations where you have helped someone who was going through a difficult time. This doesn’t have to be a grand gesture, but it should demonstrate your empathy and compassion. Did you take care of a friend or family member in a time of need? Did you stand up for someone? Did you take the initiative to fix a problem for someone else? Describe the situation and how you were able to help the person. What was the impact of this act? In what ways did you show empathy? Focus on how your empathetic approach was effective and why this is such an important quality when providing care. How will this mindset influence your future interactions with patients, classmates, and colleagues?

Essay #4

Is there anything about yourself that you feel self-conscious about? How have you addressed it, and what have you learned about yourself through this process? (150 words)

Reflect on times when you felt self-conscious, different, or uncertain. This could be a challenge in your past, a personality trait, or an experience that made you question yourself. Focus the majority of your response on how you addressed this issue. Did you seek feedback, learn to embrace a certain part of yourself, or gain confidence through working on something? Discuss what you learned from this process and how it demonstrates resilience or growth. Avoid being overly negative and instead frame self-consciousness as an opportunity for growth and personal development. 

Essay #5

What are two causes or activities you are most passionate about? How do these passions reflect your values and goals as a future physician? (150 words)

Choose two causes or activities that you have been consistently involved in and reflect your genuine interests and values. You may have already described these passions in other essays, so go beyond the surface-level description. Why do these causes or activities matter? What role have they played in your path to medicine? Connect your interests to the kind of physician you aspire to be. Do you hope to bring advocacy, research, teaching, or a particular perspective to your future career?

Essay #6

Applicants may submit an optional statement that specifically addresses the following prompt: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science continuously strives to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Each applicant’s lived experience provides an opportunity to contribute to our mission. Please share the ways in which your personal experiences, values, qualities, and perspectives will enrich RFU and our community. (150 words)

If you choose to answer this prompt, reflect on aspects of your identity, background, experiences, and beliefs that will contribute to diversity at Rosalind Franklin University. What aspects of your life, background, or upbringing have created your unique perspective? Discuss these experiences and how they will allow you to contribute to and embrace DEI efforts at RFU. In what ways will you foster an inclusive environment or encourage the exchange of different ideas? How will your unique experiences and perspectives help you to better connect with patients or collaborate with an interdisciplinary team?  

CMS MD Program Application Timeline 

Date/Deadline	Requirement/Action
Within past three years	Acceptable range for MCAT exam dates (scores older than three years not accepted)
Spring (before applying)	Recommended time to take the MCAT
May 3	AMCAS application opens
August 1	Early Decision Program (EDP) AMCAS application deadline (11:59 p.m. EDT) and EDP supplemental materials deadline (5:00 p.m. CDT)
November 1	AMCAS application deadline (11:59 p.m. EDT)
December 1	Supplemental application materials (including processing fee) deadline (11:59 p.m. CST)
After holistic review	Virtual multiple mini interview (MMI) invitations sent and conducted
Ongoing	AAMC-facilitated background check conducted
Ongoing	Applicants must review CMS technical standards for admission

Source: CMS website

***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with CMS directly to verify its essay questions, instructions, and deadlines.***

CMS Class Profile

Here is a look at CMS’s entering 2025 entering MD class (data taken from the CMS website):

Class Size: 203

Number of AMCAS applicants: 11,985

Cumulative GPA: 3.69

Science GPA: 3.59

Entrance exam (MCAT): 508

In-state residents (based on permanent address): 44%

Average age at matriculation: 24

As the former assistant dean of student affairs at the William Beaumont School of Medicine and former director of pre-health advisement and the Postbaccalaureate Certificate Program at Sacred Heart University, Dr. Valerie Wherely brings more than 20 years of success working with pre-health candidates in medicine, dental, vet, PA, PT, OT, exercise science, and nursing. Her clients appreciate her expertise in the holistic admissions process and her patient, thoughtful, strategic, and data-driven working style. Work with Valerie! Schedule a free consultation today!

Related Resources

• Medical School Selectivity Index, a free tool
• Five Fatal Flaws to Avoid in Your Med School & Secondary Essays, a free guide
• How to Get Accepted to Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University, podcast Episode 544]